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There really is no place like Montreat. I have been on countless mission trips and youth conferences and none have given me an experience of equal magnitude. A 16 hour bus ride from Dallas to Montreat created a bond that became the foundation for the entire trip. Powerful speakers and music at every keynote and worship lead to moving discussions in small groups and our back home group. And the beauty of North Carolina mountains made us feel just a little closer to God.

Montreat has always been a special summer trip for our youth that includes traditions such as theme days, hiking Lookout Mountain, and senior night (just to name a few). It's a place where relationships are strengthened between you and other youth and you and God. There is a special place in my heart for Montreat, and it encompasses some of my fondest memories of PHPC.

The 8th year of the Vickery Meadow Summer Reading Academy help its final day last Thursday! This year, 122 volunteer youth and adult tutors, along with 182 students, filled the classrooms and halls of Jack Lowe Elementary School from July 11th through August 3rd.

We are so thankful for the parents who brought us students for 4 weeks of academic enrichment, reading, and fun! Our volunteers contributed over 7,000 hours of their gifts, energy, and compassion. The support of DISD’s Refugee Support Services Department, adjunct faculty and students from SMU, and the contributions of many, many partners (including Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, Temple Emanu-el, Park Cities Baptist Church, the Presbyterian Women of PHPC, and more) all came together to provide this free, month-long, summer reading academy for students possessing unique and diverse needs.

Our volunteers had this to say about their experience:

“Where do I begin! This past month has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I signed up to help each Tuesday and found myself going every day that I did not have my granddaughters. The children are absolutely precious. I had tears in my eyes today when I gave each of them a hug. I only wish I could have done more. When my days at (my professional work) are over, I WILL be at McShan Elementary helping in any way that I can.”

“I remarked to somebody today that the kids come running and skipping into the school every day. EVERY DAY! With smiles on their faces. What a gift (we) have given them. I hope one day they will realize how fortunate they are for this gift!”

If you have an interest in supporting students through the gift of reading a book together, please consider volunteering throughout the year through our McShan Elementary Reading Homeroom and Saturday School programs. For more information, please contact: Dalene Buhl at .